Week 4 Questions

Computers and software have enabled individuals to become one-person operations with an internet connection and a laptop. The same is true with website design. Anyone with a computer can create a website. Is this always a good thing? Explain your thoughts
I think it is great that anybody with a computer can create a website but I don’t necessarily believe that just because you can do something you should do it. Before committing to a website you should be sure you are willing to commit to maintain and updating it as appropriate. One should be especially careful if it is a business site. A poorly constructed business website is not better than no site at all. To make it really simple you should only put a site on the World Wide Web if you are prepared to take the time and effort to see that it is done right from the very beginning.
What are some of the advantages to creating your own website rather than hiring a professional? What are some of the drawbacks?
Creating your own website can save you money and give you more control over the content on the site. By creating the site yourself you can be sure your vision makes it to the page. Editing and maintaining the site in long run can be easier if you had a hand in building it in the first place. The biggest drawback, in my opinion, is time. Creating your own site correctly is time consuming. Another big problem occurs if you are not familiar with good design fundamentals you would not only make the design process more difficult but it could mean you design a site which actually causes you to lose business rather than gain it.
What is the difference between Usability and Accessibility with regards to web design and why are both important?
Usability refers to how easy a site is to use. A site is usable when navigation is simple, content is easily found, and your message and purpose are easily recognized. Accessibility is a measure of how easily users can access or get to and around your site. This may refer to the ability of people with special physical needs to get to and navigate your page but it can also refer to the ability of people with varying computers, operating systems, browsers, and monitors to view and navigate your site. Usability and accessibility go hand in hand. You should strive for a site that the maximum amount of people can get to but when they get there everybody needs to be able to find the content you are providing.